I have bp1, have suffered from depresson for many years, but was only dx for bp2 disorder about 6 years ago. I am pro active with all the health issues I have. As I read one member note on a threat post. " I do my own research on the interenet and talk to my doctors at length before I take medications. Or that was close to what was said. ." No one knows our bodies or minds like we do. It is dangerous not to understand about these things as far as I am concerned. I nearly lost my liver, and still do not know what the outcome will be, because a doctor did not take some symptoms I was having and test results seriously enough. I was always pro-active with the mental health issues but had never had any serious health issues until now. Now I say, know your body and mind. I wish I had acted on some of the instincts I had after researching some of my physical symptoms on the net, but I left too much up to a doctor. Thankfully, I changed doctors and she took me and my symptoms very seriously and probably helped save my life.

As far as I am concerned the right doctors, ( and I am not afraid to shop around for a doctor or therapist ) the information and support we get is half the battle we fight, along with attitude. Of course the right treatment and medications help too. I have copies of my records , test results, and stay up to date with my doctors, keep my appointments, ect. . I guess you could say that I am being very cautious!!! After all, it's my body.

The bipolar 2 disorder is managed pretty well through medication. But during the last 5 months it has been difficult because of the high doses of prednisone I have been on for the auto immune disease in my liver. I am so glad I was already on a mood stabilzer, lamictal, and an antidepressant, lexapro, and something for anxiety, before I started on the prednisone. I was bouncing off the walls until I got used to it. I could not sleep, was hypo manic in spite of my meds. I cannot imagine what it would have been like without medication for mood stabilization, and anxiety. My doctor added lithium and that has helped but I do not like the side effects. We will most likely discontinue that after the prednisone is further reduced. I started at 40mg of prednisone, and am down to 25 weaning down to a lower dosage, and will be adding or changing slowing to another drug to help keep the autoimmune disease in check. My liver enzymes are back to normal now, but a relapse can happen at any time when the pred. is lowered .But it is dangerousl to stay on it for a long time because of the side effects. I will likely be on an immune supressant medication the rest of my life, but hopefully will not have to take large doses of prednisone. So we will be exploring other options within the next few months.

It's been rough, but I do have a loving supportive partner. He is very patient and understanding. I also have good doctors now that I am working with.

I want to say this...

I found this site only a week ago. With the multiple health issues I have, and the bp, I feel so blessed to have found a site with message boards, chat rooms, and tons of information that addresss all this in one place. Not to mention all the great people that post and the moderators that are so helpful. Thank you to the owner of this site, and to all that support it.

Be Well,

Judy

"Hope is seldom found in the things we can see;it is the sweet fragrance of grace."

Were glad you found us Judy. It sounds like you are taking your role in your care very seriously. We should all do the same. Many of us blindly hand our lives over to drs. who are just people after all, and make mistakes like the rest of us. It never hurts to shop for one who is just the "right fit" either. Not just with his medical accomplishments but also a personality that we are compatible with.You've given some sound advice JudyTake CareEllieGood judgement comes from experience and alot of that comes from bad judgement.

You just have to accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.

Hi Judy..glad you have found some friends here. This site has "saved me" also....so many times. Its nice to chat with folks who feel our pain. I too am grateful for a supportive, loving husband. Luv...Lazy

Hi Lazy, Ellie,It's so nice to hear from you. I hope I will get to know you all on here. There is a lot to get used to posting on here and finding my way around. It's a great place to be though, and I'm so glad to have your support.Thanks. It's very good to be here. Today has been a good day and on into the evening. I am grateful for every one of those I have. There have been many that were not.

Judy

"Hope is seldom found in the things we can see;it is the sweet fragrance of grace."

I thinks we've all had days like that, I'm content if the good days outnumber the bad. Lately that's been a challenge. Being here helps though. Knowing there is someone out there that can relate to your problems can be a very comforting thing.Have a good evening, (actually it's 1am here,lol)EllieGood judgement comes from experience and alot of that comes from bad judgement.

You just have to accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.

It's 3:32 here . I am a night owl. My partner, Willie, is an artist and her keep late hours, so I usually do too, esp on the weekends. We both have our computers in the room we have made into an office. He has his drawing table, ans has just finished working on a comic book project for a company in Atlanta that took him weeks to do. He starts them from scratch, does the orginal sketches from the script, downloads and sends them, they get approved, or need changes, then he draws them in large blocks like story boards, sends them again, they go to the inker, then to the person that does the digital coloring. It is very interesting for me to see all this process. He has not done any comics professionaly since we met 3 years ago.

. I am on disability now, was widowed in 99 after 29 years of marriage. I have 3 grown chidrern and 4 grandchildren.

I know all about having the bad days out weigh the good ones. I'm just so glad that is not the case for the last day or so. We went out to eat tonight and to s movie. He finally finished the last page and cover early this moring, downloaded and send them. So we are both breathing easier. Getting that done and out of the way lifted both of us up a lot.

Getting out to eat and to a movie was another. I spend way too much time at home.

Where are you from? And do you lke moderating. It seems like a big responsibility . I did it in

some mental health support groups and an advocady group I was in. Do you have to do it so many hours at a time and then you all trade off? just curious.

Be well,

Judy

"Hope is seldom found in the things we can see;it is the sweet fragrance of grace."

You are an inspiration: you are absolutely right to be proactive -- best thing you can be with this pesky bp. I'm so sorry you lost your husband, but pleased as punch that you have a strong relationship with your loving partner now.

This site has also been a godsend to me -- and part of that is through meeting strong people like yourself and seeing those "lights at the end of the tunnel". I'm not bp -- my ex is (though he resists this like crazy!). Depression and anxiety-panic have always been my personal "gigs". I'm like you with those: I know when I need help and meds and I make darned sure I get it. And, wow, it makes a difference. I wish my ex would be as proactive (he thinks he is -- but in areas other than his mental health...).

Hi JudyI'm from Midwest USA. I have 6 (yes 6!) kids, two grown, 4 grandkids with one on the way next month, and 4 kids still at home ages, 14,9,6 and 3. I have a grandson older than my youngest daughter. In fact he and my youngest son graduated from the same kindergarten last year. I'm a stay at home mom (separated from my husband for nearly a year now) who really can't afford to do it, but I'll not go back to work until my youngest is in school.As for the Moderating, I love it. There are no set hours, we just pop in and do what we can, when we can. It's all volunteer.I actually managed to take the kids out to dinner last night as well, I don't go out much, have social anxiety. AND I managed a buffet on a friday night. Buffets with little kids are NOT fun by the way. Thank heavens for my teenage daughter. She was a big help. And Klonopin, lol.Your partners profession sounds very interesting. Its funny almost, how bipolar people are either very creative, or are attracted to very creative people. Bipolars appear to be in their element surrounded by art, music and literature, (when not so manic they can't get through a book.)Have one of those good days Judy. Alas, this is my laundry day. Not fun, but can't send the kids to school on Monday in dirty clothes. (Sigh)Take CareEllieGood judgement comes from experience and alot of that comes from bad judgement.

You just have to accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.